The best needlepoint stocking kit depends on whether you prefer a pre-printed pattern or counted cross stitch. Howie’s kits are best for stitchers who want a stamped design, while the Design Works and Janlynn options provide counted patterns and stocking components. Compare the pattern style, included backing, finished size, and personalization details before choosing.
| Kit | Pattern Style | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Howie’s Elk Christmas Stocking | Pre-printed | 14-count fabric; listed fabric size 13.39 x 19.69 inches |
| Howie’s Christmas Stocking 1 | Pre-printed | 14-count fabric; listed fabric size 14.6 x 21.7 inches |
| Design Works Frolicking Snowman | Counted | 17-inch finished size; alphabet for personalization |
| Janlynn Waiting for Santa | Counted | Tan Aida and red felt backing |
| Tobin Making New Friends | Counted | 17-inch finished size; stocking back and ribbon included |
Howie’s Elk Christmas Stocking Kit
This kit is best for beginners or casual stitchers who want a pre-printed pattern rather than a counted chart. The package includes 14-count pre-printed cotton fabric, embroidery thread, needles, and instructions. The listed fabric dimensions are 13.39 by 19.69 inches.
Howie’s describes the cotton thread as soft, durable, and bright in color. The pre-printed design and included instructions are intended to make placement easier to follow. It was selected for shoppers seeking a stamped Christmas stocking project with the main stitching supplies included.
Consider: The listed measurements refer to the fabric, not a confirmed finished stocking size. Choose another option if you need a stated finished dimension or a listed stocking back.
Howie’s Large Pre-Printed Stocking Kit
Choose this kit if you want a larger listed piece of pre-printed fabric. It includes 14-count cotton fabric measuring 14.6 by 21.7 inches, embroidery thread, needles, and easy-to-follow instructions. Like the elk kit, it is designed for stitchers who want to work from a printed pattern instead of counting stitches on a chart.
The manufacturer describes the thread as fine, soft, and bright, and says the pre-printed design is suitable for beginners as well as experienced stitchers. This kit was selected as a second stamped option for buyers comparing fabric dimensions and designs.
Consider: The product information does not give a finished stocking size or list a separate stocking backing. Confirm those details if they matter for your project.
Design Works Frolicking Snowman Stocking
This counted cross stitch kit is best for someone who wants a defined finished size and an option to personalize the stocking. It includes 14-count sparkle Aida cloth, pre-sorted cotton embroidery floss, a fabric stocking back, ribbon, a needle, and an illustrated chart with instructions. The finished size is 17 inches.
An alphabet is included for personalization, making this a useful choice for adding a name or letters according to the chart. It was selected for its stated stocking components and clear finished-size information.
Consider: This is a counted kit, so stitchers follow a chart rather than a pre-printed fabric pattern. Choose a stamped kit if you prefer the design marked directly on the cloth.
Janlynn Waiting For Santa Stocking
This kit is best for shoppers who want a classic counted design with a backing material included. Its listed contents are 14-count tan cotton Aida, red felt backing, cotton six-strand floss, a needle, a graph, and multilingual instructions. The backing is a useful distinction when comparing kits that list only the fabric and stitching supplies.
It was selected for buyers who prioritize a counted pattern and want the backing material identified in the kit contents. The graph and instructions provide the pattern reference for stitching.
Consider: The provided product details do not state a finished size. If the stocking must meet a particular dimension, check the listing before purchasing.
Tobin Making New Friends Stocking Kit
This counted kit is best for buyers who want a stated 17-inch finished size and a stocking back included. The contents include 100% cotton Aida fabric, cotton embroidery floss, a fabric stocking back, ribbon, a needle, and a fully illustrated chart with instructions.
The included ribbon and back make it a more complete option for shoppers comparing finishing components. It was selected for its clearly listed size and supplies for assembling the stocking.
Consider: The product details do not specify the Aida count. If fabric count is important for your stitching plans, verify it in the product listing.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Needlepoint Stocking Kit
Do you want stamped or counted stitching?
A stamped or pre-printed kit marks the design on the fabric, which can make it easier to follow without repeatedly checking a chart. A counted kit uses a graph and requires you to track stitch placement. Choose based on the method you already know or want to practice; do not assume the two formats use interchangeable instructions.
What comes in the kit?
Check whether the package includes the fabric, floss, needle, instructions, and materials needed to finish the stocking. A listed fabric stocking back and ribbon can reduce the need to source those components separately. A kit that lists fabric and thread may still require additional finishing supplies.
How should you compare size?
Distinguish between fabric dimensions and finished dimensions. The Howie’s listings give fabric measurements, while the Design Works and Tobin kits state a finished size of 17 inches. Compare like with like, and confirm the completed dimensions if the stocking needs to fit a display or a specific use.
Does fabric count matter?
Fabric count indicates the number of fabric squares or stitches per inch. The Howie’s options specify 14-count fabric, and the Design Works kits list 14-count Aida. If a listing does not state the count, such as the provided details for the Tobin kit, check before choosing if you have a preferred count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which kit is best for a beginner?
The Howie’s kits are described as beginner-friendly and use pre-printed patterns with instructions. They are a practical choice for stitchers who prefer marked fabric.
Which kits include a stocking back?
The Tobin Making New Friends kit and Design Works Frolicking Snowman kit list a fabric stocking back. Janlynn Waiting for Santa lists red felt backing material.
Are all the kits counted cross stitch?
No. The Howie’s kits are pre-printed. The Tobin, Janlynn, and Design Works kits are counted cross stitch options with charts or graphs.
Which options state a finished size?
The Design Works Frolicking Snowman and Tobin Making New Friends kits list a finished size of 17 inches. The other selected product details do not provide a finished size.
Do any kits include personalization materials?
The Design Works Frolicking Snowman kit includes an alphabet with its illustrated chart for personalization.